
FOR 


ESTABLISHING A SALT COMPANY 

. 9 

AT 

KEY WEST; 

ACCOMPANIED 

WITH CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS 

FROM 

PERSONS OF GREAT RESPECTABILITY; 


ELUCIDATING 


The great advantages to be derived by Manufacturing Salt by Solar 
Evaporation, at that Island, &c. &.c. 



WASHINGTON: 


PRINTED BY EDWARD DE KRAFFT. 


1830 . 



\ 









A 







\ 


















,v 


' PROPOSALS 

For establishing the LA FAYETTE SALT COMPANY at Key 
West, with a capital of 75,000 dollars, which has been charter¬ 
ed by the Legislative Council of Florida, and sanctioned by the 
Congress of the United States. 

WE, the subscribers, engage to take and pay for the num¬ 
ber of Shares of g 100 each, affixed to our names respectively, 
in a company to be formed by subscription for tjrff purpose of 
occupying and working one-fourth part of the Sa#f pond at Key 
West, which pond is more particularly described in a drawing 
herewith annexed. And we do hereby agrarto form a compa¬ 
rt ny, to be styled the “ La Fayette Salt Company of Key West;” 
and as soon as the above named sum orscventy-five thousand 
dollars shall have been subscribed foj$fa meeting of the stock¬ 
holders shall be called, for the puejfose of choosing five direc¬ 
tors to conduct the affairs of theamnpany, until the 1st Monday 
in January, 1831. And wfebodmbv further agree, that so soon 
as the subscription for the aSfesum of g 75,000 shall be filled 
up, and g 30,000 paid into the hj^teof the directors or trustees, 
as the case may he, and a satisfactory cession of the property 
made to the company, the same shall go into operation. 

It is moreover agreed that the profits arising from the ope¬ 
rations of the company (after deducting as a yearly dividend, 
15 per cent, for the use of the stockholders) shall, from time 
to time, he invested in stock until the works are put in complete 
operation, which is not to exceed the sum of g 75,000. 

It is furthermore agreed and understood, that the proprie¬ 
tors of the said pond is to retain twenty-five bushels of salt out 
of every hundred bushels made, as a compensation for the re¬ 
linquishment of the property to the company. 


A rough estimate for the government of those who may feel 
disposed to embark in the La Fayette Salt Company. 


200 hands, men, women, boys and girls, of 12 years 
of age, and upwards, it is believed will be suf¬ 
ficient to put one fourth of the pond into full 
operation, which would probably cost $250 each 50,000 
Transportation, provisions, insurance, &c. - 3,000 

Lumber for building houses, &c. - 3,000 

Pumps, tools, &c. ------ 1,000 


$ 57,000 









4 


From the best information that lias been obtained 
from the Bahama Islands, and other places 
where Salt is made by natural evaporation, it 
will be seen that a hand will make from 1500 
to 3500 bushels per annum, which, at 25 cents 
per bushel, taking the least average to be 2000 
bushels , which would amount to 500 dollars lor 
each hand, and for the whole - 
From which must he deducted for the use 

of the proprietors, say 25 per cent. 25,000 
Feeding and clothing the hands at §50 

ahead - 10,000 

Agent, overseer, &c. - 2,500 

Incidental expenses - 3,000 


100,000 


40,500 


§ 59.500 


An act to incorporate the La Fayette Salt Company of Key West. 

Be it enacted by the Governor and Legislative Council of 
the Territory of Florida , That, from and after the passage of 
this act, all those persons who have already associated them¬ 
selves, or may hereafter join a company or limited partnership, 
under the name and title of the La Fayette Salt Company of 
Key West, and their successors, shall he, and they are hereby 
incorporated and made a body corporate and politic, by the 
name and style of the La Fayette Salt Company of Key West, 
and as such shall continue until the first day of January one 
thousand eight hundred and fifty. And by that name may sue 
and he sued, implead and he impleaded, answer and be an¬ 
swered, defend and be defended, in courts of record, and any 
other place whatsoever, and by that name may have and hold, 
purchase, receive, possess, enjoy and retain, lands, rents, tene¬ 
ments, hereditaments, goods, chatties, and effects of what na¬ 
ture, kind, or quality, soever, necessary for the object of this 
incorporation, and the same may sell, grant, demise, alien and 
dispose of, and by that name shall have, during the continu¬ 
ance of this act, succession and may make, have and use, a 
common seal, and the same may break, alter and renew, at 
pleasure, and shall have power to ordain, establish and put in 
execution, such by-laws, ordinances and regulations, as shall 
seem necessary and convenient for the government of said cor¬ 
poration, not being contrary to law, nor the constitution there- 


l 









5 


of, and, generally, to do and execute all acts, necessary or pro¬ 
per, for the objects of said incorporation, subject to the rules, 
regulations, restrictions, limitations and provisions, herein di¬ 
rected and declared. 

Sec. 2. Be it farther enacted , That the capital stock of 
the said company shall consist of not exceeding seventy-five 
thousand dollars* money of the United States, to be divided 
into shares of one hundred dollars each. 

Sec. 3. Be it farther enacted , That the affairs of the said 
company shall be conducted by five directors who shall choose 
from their body a president. Two of the directors with the 
president shall form a board, or quorum, for transacting all the 
business of the company. In case of the sickness of the presi¬ 
dent. or his necessary absence, his place may be supplied by 
any director whom he, by writing under his hand, may nomi¬ 
nate for that purpose, or in case of his not making such a no¬ 
mination, the board may appoint a president to act during his 
sickness or absence. The president and directors, who may 
be in office at the time of the passage of this act, or shall 
subsequently be appointed by the stockholders, shall con¬ 
tinue in office under and by virtue of this act of incorporation, 
until others shall be duly chosen in their stead; and no person 
shall be a director, or president, who is not a stockholder, and 
a director ceasing to be a stockholder shall cease to be a di¬ 
rector. Every stockholder shall be entitled to vote by himself, 
his agent, or proxy, appointed under his hand and seal, at all 
elections in virtue of this act, and shall have as many votes as 
he shall have shares. 

Sec 4. Be it further enacted , That a general meeting of 
the stockholders of the said company shall be holden on the 
fust Monday of January, one thousand eight hundred and 
thirty-one, and on the first Monday of January in every year 
thereafter, at such place, as the president and directors may 
appoint, by giving two months’ notice in the newspaper pub¬ 
lished at Key West, for the purpose of electing directors for the 
ensuing year; who shall meet speedily after their election, 
and choose a president and directors, for the time being, shall 
continue in office until others shall be duly elected in their 
places, and be organized by the assembling of a quorum and 
the choice of a president. At all elections the persons, having 
the greatest number of votes, shall be deemed to be chosen. 
All elections shall be held under the superintendence of the 
president of the company, for the time being, and five stock¬ 
holders, not being at the time directors appointed by the board 
of directors, any four of whom shall be the judges thereof, and 


(5 


who shall immediately thereafter notify the persons elected, 
and make a return thereof to the directors, at their first meet¬ 
ings should two, or mot e persons, have the same number of 
votes, the other individuals elected directors shall determine by 
ballot from among said persons, who shall he the director or 
directors. All elections shall he opened at ten o’clock in the 
forenoon, and close at three in the afternoon. 

Sec. 5. Be it further enacted , That the president and di¬ 
rectors shall have full power to make, revise, alter and annul, 
all such rules, orders, by-laws and regulations, for the govern¬ 
ment of the said corporation, and that of its officers, servants 
and affairs, as they shall,from time to time,think expedient,and 
to use, employ, and dispose of, the funds and property of the 
said company for the interest and benefit of the stockholders, 
and agreeably to the objects of the said incorporation. 

Sec. G. Be it further enacted , That the books, correspon¬ 
dence and papers, of the company, shall at all times be subject 
to the inspection of the directors. 

Sec. 7. Be it further enacted , That the president and di¬ 
rectors shall have power to appoint all officers, or servants re¬ 
quisite, for executing the business of the said company, and to 
establish the compensation to be made to the president and to 
the other officers, or servants, of the said company, respective¬ 
ly; but no compensation shall be given to a director foi* his 
services, except by a vote of the stockholders in a general meet¬ 
ing. 

Sec. 8. Be it further enacted , That the president and di¬ 
rectors shall have power to call a general meeting of the stock¬ 
holders, for the purposes concerning the interest of the com¬ 
pany, giving at least two months’ notice in the newspaper pub¬ 
lished at Key West. 

Sec. 9. Be it further enacted , That the shares of the capi¬ 
tal stock, at any time owned by any individual stockholder, 
shall be transferable only on the books of the company accord¬ 
ing to such rules as may, conformably to law, be established in 
that behalf by the president and directors, but all debts actu¬ 
ally due to the company, by a stockholder requesting a trans¬ 
fer, must be satisfied before such transfer shall be made. 

Sec. 10 . Be it further enacted . That the dividends of the 
profits of the company, or so much of said profits, as shall be 
deemed expedient and proper, shall be declared half yearly in 
the second week in January and July in each year; the amount 
of said dividend to be, from time to time, determined by the 
president and directors, and, in no case, to exceed the amount 


ry 

4 


of the neat profits, actually acquired by the company, so that 
the capital stock of said company shall never be impaired by 
dividends. 

Sec. 11. Be it farther enacted. That if the said directors 
shall, at ar.y time, willfully and knowingly make, or declare, 
any dividend which shall impair the said capital stock, all the * 
directors present, at the making, or declaring of said dividend, 
and consenting thereto, shall be liable in their individual capa¬ 
cities to the company for the amount, or proportion, of said 
capital stock so divided by the said directors: And each direc¬ 
tor, who shall be present at the making, or declaring of such 
dividend, shall be deemed to have consented thereto, unless he 
shall, immediately enter into writing his dissent on the minutes 
of the proceedings of the board. 

Sec. 12. Be it further enacted , That if any vacancy shall 
at any time happen among the directors by death, resignation, 
or otherwise, the rest of the directors, for the time being, shall 
elect a director to fill the vacancy. 

Sec. Is. Be itfurther enacted , That in case it should, at any 
time happen, that an election of directors should not he made 
on any day, when pursuant to this act, it ought to have been 
made, the said corporation shall not, for that cause, he deemed 
to be dissolved, hut it shall he lawful, on any other day, to hold 
and make an election of directors at a meeting to be called in 
such manner as shall he prescribed by the laws and ordinances 
of said corporation. 

Passed 6th November, 1829. 

A. BELLAMY, President of the Legislative Council. 

TIIOS. MUNROE, Clerk 

approved 12 th November, 1829. 

WILLIAM P. DUVAL, Governor of the Territory of Florida. 


An exposition of the advantages to be derived from making Salt, by solar evapo¬ 
ration, at Key West. 

[From the Key West Register, of the 5th March, 1829.] 

The following communication is from a highly respectable 
gentleman, who spent several months last winter among the 
Bahama Islands, where the manufacture of Salt by natural 
evaporation, has been carried on to a great extent for the last 
fifty years, with a view of obtaining the best information in re¬ 
gard to the most approved method of making the article. When 
the many local advantages that the Salt Pond of Key West pos¬ 
sesses are taken into consideration, particularly as it regards 


t 



8 


climate, the protecting duties, and a certainty of finding a 
home market for the article, greater advantages are presented 
to the capatalist in the making of Salt here, than in any other 
business known. 

“ The general principles for the production of Salt by so¬ 
lar evaporation, which must be applicable every where, are too 
simple and well known to render it necessary to advert to them, 
in an attempt to impart to others the little information the 
writer possesses on the subject. 

“ The great object in that business seems to he to keep the 
water so that it must gradually strengthen, until it reaches a 
certain degree of saturation, when it should be spread out in 
pans or vats, where it quickly deposites its Salt, and from which 
it is immediately raked and secured. 

“The Salt Ponds on the Bahamas, are produced by 
springs, and enlarged by the admission of water from the sea, 
through flood gates. A considerable portion of them is reserv¬ 
ed to form a reservoir in which the water deposites its impu¬ 
rities, and becomes strengthened in a degree fit to dcposite its 
Salt, when it is passed into pans, in which the Salt is immedi¬ 
ately precipitated, and from which it may he immediately rak¬ 
ed. In places where the sun’s rays are not powerful, the water 
is passed through several reservoirs before it is admitted into 
the pans from which the Salt is to he raked, the object of which 
is not only to free the water from the lime it contains, but to 
hasten its acquisition of a certain strength, before it be admit¬ 
ted into what are termed the raking pans. 

“ Should the lime be deposited in the same pans in which 
the Salt forms, the Salt will be found to be very impure. On 
the Bahamas the general practice is to allow that deposite in 
the only reservoir they have, from which the raking pans are 
directly supplied. Yet there is no doubt that if a sale could be 
made of all the Salt these Ponds are capable of producing, they 
would largely increase the quantity by the process thus stated, 
to be pursued in places where the sun has less power. 

“ The Ponds are divided into pans of irregular dimen¬ 
sions, to accord with the level of the bottom, so that some 
are much less than 100 feet square, many are of that size, and 
others vary from one to five acres. Those pans are formed by 
making walls of rough stones, a foot high, between which em¬ 
bankments or walks of various widths are formed, with the 
earth or mud taken from the bottom of the pans, after the for¬ 
mation of the walls; or if the supply of earth thence be found 
insufficient for that purpose, any earth or material that will not 
absorb the water, may he used. Their formation is very sim- 


9 


pie, in which labor alone is required, as the stone is very conve¬ 
nient around tho Ponds. 

** They require no sheds to protect them from the rains, 
iis they may be so constructed as to admit the drain of rain wa¬ 
ter from them through a small gate communicating with a ca¬ 
nal or ditch, passing through the embankments outside of the 
pans, which will pass it out of the way. 

“ They are so constructed as to admit the passage of the 
prevailing winds over their length, as wind hastens evapora¬ 
tion and according to the depth of the water, aids in forming 
large Salt. So, in shallower pans, smaller Salt is produced. 

“ In the Bahamas, the Salt Ponds are reserved by the Co¬ 
lonial Government, who proportion to families, their subjects, 
shares or portions of the Ponds, in proportion to the number of 
working hands they contain; their improvements to which are 
transferable as other property, they paying into the Colonial 
Treasury the amount of money collected on the tonnage on all 
foreign vessels in which they export Salt. 

“ At Rum Key, one acre, or four shares, affords from 
twelve to fifteen hundred bushels of Salt in one raking, of which 
they have never less than four in a year, and in very favorable 
seasons, they have from eight to twelve. 

« A Salt season includes the whole year, from which the 
periodical rainy months of the spring and fall should be deduct¬ 
ed. The labor of eight hands, during four days, is required 
to take out the Salt from one acre; immediately after which, 
other rakings may be made every fifteen days, during the 
continuance of dry weather. 

“ The Salt is stacked and covered with Palmetto leaves; 
the sun and wind soon dries it, and renders it so hard as to be 
impervious to the heaviest rains. The writer’s informant had 
on Rum Key, 1000 feet in length by 400 in depth, in pans in 
which he only employed 25 hands. 

« The attention of the proprietors is divided between 
agriculture and Salt making. By far the grerter proportion of 
their time is directed to the former; and after the pans are 
formed, little more is required than to secure the Salt which 
the season may produce; and that quantity is generally found 
to exceed the demand for exportation. 

« The Turk’s Islands possess advantages for Salt-making 
superior to any other of the Bahama Islands, owing to the 
great dryness of its atmosphere, and the seldom occurrence f 
rain. Although their attention is not there, as at the other is¬ 
lands, divided between Salt-making and agriculture, yet the 
2 


10 


demand for Salt being so far short of the quantity raked, no 
experiment has been made to ascertain what quantity a specific 
number of hands could make from a pond, in pans of any speci¬ 
fic dimensions. Their pans are formed of the same materials as 
at Rum Key, and are of similar dimensions; but the water 
possesses greater strength, and their bottoms are said to be of 
a quality not appertaining to any other pond, that rapidly 
quickens crystallization, 

“ In a good Salt season, one hand works five shares, and 
secures 700 bushels to each, or S.500 bushels to all. 

“They have pans of great dimensions near the reservoirs, 
(as the larger the pans are, the better will he the quality of the 
Salt) which are filled with water to the depth of 18 or 20 inch¬ 
es.which furnish from 4 to 5000 bushels of very large grained 
Salt, twice a year. The only utensils used in the business, are 
large hoes, shovels, pick axes, hand and wheelbarrows. 

“ Ragged, Long, and Rose Islands, Exuma, and some 
others of the Bahamas, furnish Salt, where the climate, process 
of Salt making, and the product, is about the same as at Ruin 
Key. 


“ In Massachusetts, extensive Salt works have been estab¬ 
lished within a few years, which are progressing to a great 
extent, and which, with their short summer season, and the 
disadvantage of having to form all their works of lumber, are 
found profitable. 

“At Salina, in the State of New York, the works which 
are owned by that State are found to be very lucrative to the 
lessees, who are required to pay a duty or toll to the State, of 
twelve and a half cents on each bushel by them made; which 
duty alone in the course of the year, amounts to the large sum 
of B150,000. 

•• For the informal ion of those who, from facts, would like 
to form their own opinion of the possibility of Salt being pro¬ 
duced from the Pond on this Island, the following memorandum 
of the latitude of some of the Bahama Salt Islands is given: 

Grand Turk’s Island is in lat. 21 deg. 30 min. 

Rum Key 
L<>ng Island 
Exuma 
Rose Island 

And Key West is in latitude, 

“ Its climate is the same as that of the Bahamas; the qual¬ 
ity of its Salt Pond is the same; its extent (about S42 acres) is 
much greater than the Pond on any other Island, excepting 
that on Rum Key. 


(6 

a 


a 


23 

23 
22 
25 

24 


34 

30 

26 

15 

25 


11 


“ The stone for the formation of walls is here abundant, 
and more convenient than is the case at any other known 
place. 

“The facility for loading vessels is very great, as the lo¬ 
cality of the Pond is such that boats can enter it, receive the 
Salt, and carry it directly to them in the harbor, which is 
already well known to be unusually safe, and in which vessels 
of the largest class can enter with great ease. 

“ When we take into consideration the existing protecting 
duty on Salt made in this country, the immense quantity of 
that article that the Pond on this Island is capable of furnish¬ 
ing—the geographical advantages of our port, past which a 
number of our vessels annually return in ballast from ports in 
the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba. &c. we should not be thought vi¬ 
sionary in predicting that the growth of our population and 
commercial importance must be certain, and unparalleled in 
its rapidity. 

“ The extent of the Pond will afford employment to a very 
large number of labourers in the formation of the pans; after 
the completion of which, except during the raking season, they 
might be otherwise employed. This fact should engage the 
attention of those who have embarked in Sugar planting in Mid¬ 
dle Florida, whose hands, during the growth of their cane 
might be adv antageously employed here. 

“ It will be well, perhaps, to add, that it is the general 
opinion that the profit to be derived from Salt making will be 
found so great, that it will not be an object here to rais provi¬ 
sions, especially as they can be regularly supplied from New- 
Orleans, and on terms that will be found more advantageous to 
the adventurer in that business. 

“ Key West, March 5. 1829.” 


Extract of a letter from a highly respectable gentleman residing at Turk’s Island, 
addressed to Jno. Whitehead, Esq , dated 2d May, 1829 

“ I notice particularly what you say in regard to your 
Salt ponds at Key West. I am apprehensive that it will not 
suit me just now to break up my establishment here, owing to 
the immense sacrifice unavoidable in such a case. Circum¬ 
stances may however enable me to do so in a year or two, 
(perhaps very soon) and my prepossession in favor of the 
climate of Florida would most likely lead me that way, parti¬ 
cularly if any thing like encouragement be held out. In the 
mean time, I should not only have no objection, hut would be 
really happy at affording you any and all the information in 



12 


my power, that may be likely to facilitate your views regard¬ 
ing the Salt ponds. I notice by a Key West Register of the 
5th of March, (which lately fell into my hands,) that you have 
already been put in possession of some information on the sub¬ 
ject: that part respecting the building of the pans is correct. 
You ask me to state the cost of a pan of one hundred square 
feet. This, as well as every thing else, you are aware, would 
altogether depend upon the comparative value of labor, &c. 
Here, for instance, such a pan would not, I think, cost more 
than §50, and would yield 1,500 to 2,5 00 bushels at a raking. 
W T e do not calculate upon more than three rakings in a season, 
though five are sometimes got:—1,500 bushels is a fair aver¬ 
age for each laborer: it does sometimes, however, amount 
to as much as 3,000*. The walls round your pans ought not 
to exceed sixteen inches in depth, the wind being full as ne¬ 
cessary as the sun, and twelve inches of ripe pickle being a 
good filling for the pans—new pans should, however, have 
shallow fillings at first, so that the sun may act more power¬ 
fully upon the bottom, and thereby render it firm, which is in¬ 
dispensable, I shall be glad to hear from you further on the 
subject, for should I be induced to join you, I should, in all 
probability, bring several others with me.” 


Information collected by Mr. J. P. Baldwin, of Nassau, in reply to certain 

Queries sent to him. 

What size are the pans? 

The shallow 7 water pans, generally, are 60 by 30 feet. 
What is the height of the walls? 

Twelve inches. 

What is the depth of water? 

Eight inches pickle, and not water. 

What is the labor required to form them? 

Manual labor (men and women) average 37cents per diem. 
Can they be so constructed as to allow the drain of rain 
water from them? 

Yes, by having a separate drain constructed in the inside. 
Can the rain water be drained from the reservoir as well 
as the pans? 

No, it can only be drained from the pans, and will not 
mix with the salt water pickle under three days. 


* The hands are not employed in making salt exclusively, a part of their 
tiftie is taken up in making provision for their own support, 




18 


What portion of the pond should be reserved for the re» 
servoir? 

The central or deepest part. 

Are pans used to receive the deposit of water, between the 
reservoir and those in which the Salt forms? 

Yes, and then the water becomes a strong pickle. 

How many r a kings in a year, when the hands are applied 
to nothing but Salt raking, and what quantity is allowed to be 
a fair earning for one hand in a year? 

At Turk’s Island they commence raking in April and 
continue, if the season is good, until December. The greatest 
quantity of salt is raked in July and August, when the shallow 
pans will make in seventeen days from the time of filling. In 
a good Salt season is 700 bushels to a share, and one hand works 
five shares or 3,500 bushels. Thirty to forty bushels a day 
is the allowance for one hand to rake and carry out, which he 
does by a w heel-barrow, in which a half barrel is placed. The 
larger the pans the better the salt: attached to the reservoir 
are the deep water pans: these are very extensive, from 150 
to 60 feet wide. They are filled from 18 to 20 inches. These 
pans make but twice a year. The Salt is immensely large.— 
The largest will form four to five thousand bushels at time, 
or 8 to 10,000 bushels a year. The walls are 24 inches in 
depth. 


NEW YORK, August 25, 1830. 

To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: 

“ I have inspected the Salt pond at Key West. It is my 
opinion that Salt making in that place can be made to be the 
most lucrative branch of business which is pursued in the Unit¬ 
ed States. Notwithstanding the reduction of duty, I should 
myself engage in it if 1 was prepared. I examined about 1,000 
bushels of salt laying on the shore, which was about the consis¬ 
tency of loom Liverpool, and equally white. The whole pond 
appeared to my taste nearly as Salt as the brine taken from a 
barrel of beef or pork packed in the usual way with a bushel 
of salt to a barrel. A. FISK.” 


KEY WEST, March 3, 1830. 

To William Frean, Esq. 

Sir: In reply to your note in relation to the Salt ponds of 
Key West, I would remark, that my estimate of the Salt form¬ 
ed by natural causation, in the summer and fall of 1828, w T as 
between fifteen and twenty thousand bushels. As to the com- 







14 


parative facilities of Salt making at this place, I can only say, 
that I have learned from experienced Salt-makers, that the 
ponds of this Island may be cultivated more advantageously 
than those of the Bahamas. 

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 

A. S. THRUSTON, Collector . 


TERRITORY - OF FLORIDA—County of Monroe, Town of Key West. 

This is to certify, that in the summer of eighteen hundred 
and twenty-eight, we, in company of Col. P. C. Greene of this 
town, made a visit to the Salt pond of this Island, and discov¬ 
ered that a large quantity of Salt had been made in said pond by 
the natural process of evaporation. What quantity there was 
in the pond we are not able to judge, but presume there was 
between ten and twenty thousand bushels. 

THE. OWENS, 
LEMUEL OTIS. 

Sworn to before me this first day of March, eighteen hundred and thirty. 

W. FREAN, Notary Public. 


KEY WEST, March 1, 1830. 

I do hereby certify, that I have at several different times 
between the years 1825 and ’30, observed considerable quanti¬ 
ties of Salt in the large pond on Key West, made by natural 
evaporation: and it is my opinion that a large quantify of that 
article can be made by working the ponds upon the Bahama 
plan; and that I intend to embark in that business as soon as 
I can get a Salt-maker from the Bahamas to superintend the 
business. R FITZPATRICK. 


KEY WEST, February 27, 1830. 

Sir: Being called on to give iny opinion respecting the 
Salt ponds on the Island of Key West, 1 must briefly state to 
you, that in the year 1822, I visited the Salt ponds by the invi¬ 
tation of Dr. Montgomery. I found Salt of a good quality and 
in abundance on the margin of those ponds, in places where 
the water was from three to six inches deep. The bottom was 
incrusted, with a fine transparent Salt. It was my opinion at 
that time that any quantity of Salt equal in quality to the best 
Turk’s Island might be made at those ponds by proper culti¬ 
vation, and at a trifling expense. My late residence on the Key 








15 


has afforded me opportunities of confirming my former opinion, 
having seen the Salt raked in abundance without any cultiva¬ 
tion. The local situation of those ponds afford great advant¬ 
ages, being easy of access—free from woods and shades—open 
to the X. E., S E. and X. W.—affording every facility to a 
solar evaporation, being based on a solid rock, a complete 
protection against the land crabs, the water not exceeding two 
feet in depth, and every material at hand for forming the most 
permanent Salt pans, viz: stone and marl in abundance. 

I am sir, very respectfully, yours, 8cc. 

EDE TAX E^ OUR, Civil Engineer, 

William Frean, Esq. 


KEV WEST, February 23, 1830. 

Mr. William Frean: 

Deal Sir: In answer to the inquiries which you made this 
day, as to the natural formation of Salt in the ponds on this 
Island, we state, that several years previous to the exchange 
of flags we were residents in this territory, frequently visited 
the Florida Reef and Rendezvous at Key West. We then visited 
the ponds at various times, and noticed their brinv qualities. 
We were induced to experiment the ponds and try what effect 
raking would have. We succeeded in obtaining excellent Salt 
and in great abundance. 

We have no hesitation in expressing as our opinion, that 
if Salt making was to he properly commenced and managed by 
men skilled in the business, that Salt equal in quality to Turk’s 
Island could be obtained, and in quantity sufficient to supply 
the whole of the United States. 

W e are respectfully, 

JOHX WHALTOX. 
JOSEPH XEMEXES. 


KEV WEST, February 22, 1830. 

I certify that I have frequently \isited what are termed 
the 44 Salt Ponds;” that I have observed where the water of the 
said ponds has receded, considerable quantities of Salt formed 
altogether by evaporation, and spontaneously. That I enter¬ 
tain no doubt of the practical utility of these ponds, by slight 
expense and little difficulty, being made extremely profitable by 
the manufacture of Salt. Every theoretical principle, as well 
as actual experiment, proves the complete practicability of the 
conversion of the water in the ponds, to Salt, by the simple 
process of evaporation. GEORGE S. HAW K1XS. 





16 


CLERIC’S OFFICE, KEY WEST, February 21, 1830. 
William Frean, Esq. 

Sir: In reply to your inquiry of me as to the practicabi¬ 
lity of making Salt from the ponds on this Island, I have only 
to state, that from the experiments heretofore made, together 
with the particles of Salt found on the margin of the ponds, 
produced by natural causation, that salt can be made in great 
quantities, and in my opinion, the ponds are admirably adapt¬ 
ed to that purpose. 

I am very respectfully, Sir, your obedient servant, 

JOEL YANCEY, Jr. Clerk S. TV. of Florida. 


Copy of a letter from Edward Chandler, United States’ District Attorney, to 
William Frean, Esq dated Key West, February 22, 3830 

Dear Sir: In reply to the inquiry you made this morning 
as to the practicability of making Salt at Key West, I have 
briefly to premise, that from my never having been acquainted 
with the process of making Salt, I cannot undertake to speak 
positively. I have, however, been several times at the ponds 
on this Island, and from what I have observed of them I 
should conclude, that with a very little trouble an immense 
amount of this article might be made, and a handsome profit 
realized from it by any one who has the means of making a 
fair experiment. I have remar ked that so much of the bot¬ 
tom of these ponds as I could see has ivariably been covered 
w ith a coat or crust of salt. This is also the case on the mar¬ 
gin of the ponds. 


Extract of Colonel Brooke’s Report to General Macomb, of 4th April, 1829. 

“ I shall now do myself the honor to answer to each head 
of your inquiries, as laid down in your letter. The soil is in 
some places a very rich vegetable mould, based on secondary 
lime stone; in other places sand. 

“ All the materials for erecting the quarters, fort or bat¬ 
tery are on the Island in the greatest abundance, whether for 
tappia or stone work, with the exception of that part which 
must consist of wood. The position selected, I believe to be 
as healthy, if not more so than any other on the Island, and 
from what 1 saw and heard, the place was perfectly healthy 
at the time we were there, excepting some cases of the small 
pox. In regard to its health, I beg leave to refer you to the 
report of Assistant Surgeon, Edward Macomb, and also a 






17 


letter from Doctor Lacey, a resident physician. The ponds 
near the town, were formerly fresh stagnant water, which have 
been drained, and is believed to have relieved the inhabitants 
from many of the violent attacks of fever, which they were 
affected with. There are still several ponds of the same char¬ 
acter, which should and can be easily drained; but there is 
nothing which could add more materially to the health of the 
place than the cutting out of the under brush, which is now so 
thick as to prevent the necessary circulation of air. Indeed, 
I believe it would increase the health and comfort more than 
any other improvement which has been attempted. The water 
used for drinking, unless cistern water, is of the worst kind, 
and much of the sickness which has heretofore prevailed may 
be attributed to that cause, as the poorer class of people, are 
compelled to resort to the springs and wells, particularly in dry 
seasons when cistern water is scarce. In the erection of bar¬ 
racks, one great object must be, that immediate attention to 
the construction of very extensive and good cisterns. Rain 
water is the only kind which can be used with impunity at Key 
West during the fall and summer months. The military should 
he allowed every thing which can be legally given them, in 
good quarters, hospital stores, provisions, clothing, bedding 
and musquitto bars—all of the best kind and quality. The 
great mortality which prevailed amongst the officers and sea¬ 
men of the Navy, during the period of their occupancy of the 
Island is to be attributed to many causes. A want of comfort 
on their first establishment in not having good quarters, bad 
water, there being no cisterns at that time, stagnant ponds of 
fresh water, which have been since drained, the Island imper¬ 
viously covered with wood, preventing the least circulation of 
air, the long cruizes of six weeks’ duration in open boats, un¬ 
der a tropical sun, and immediately on their return placed on 
extremely laborious duty in cutting roads, and erecting quar¬ 
ters—added to this, a want of police, in not being able to pre¬ 
vent the men from an excessive use of ardent spirits, sold to 
them by the hucksters, and after becoming intoxicated, laying 
mt during the night, and hiding themselves in the under brush, 
where it was impossible to find them, and when taken sick, 
the hospital entirely too small, either for the necessary room 
or proper ventilation, in so southern a climate. It is easy 
enough to suppose, that such causes which are here represent¬ 
ed, would produce the most fatal diseases in any country. The 
advantages derived from the military occupancy of the Island 
are many and important Key West being so detached from 
the United States, its sovereignty would he expressed by its 




18 


flair, supported either by a military or marine force; but by a 

military force in preference, inasmuch as a marine force would 

not be intended to be stationary, but removed, as other causes 

* 

or objects might impel it, and could of course afford no pro¬ 
tection during its absence. It has now no protection saving 
the occasional presence of two Revenue Cutters, both of which 
a large privateer could easily capture. The present popula¬ 
tion is not sufficiently large to defend it—neither have they 
arms of any kind to assist themselves with, and could be laid 

at anv time under contribution bv any lawless marauder. 

* * 

The United States have frequently large sums of money 
in the hands of the collector, besides large Sums in the hands 
of the marshal of the United States’ Court belonging to indi¬ 
viduals. These are often brought in by the wreckers, vessels 
with their cargoes, valued from 20 to Si00.000. There are 
many vessels belonging to the place, with a great deal of pro¬ 
perty owned by the inhabitants, all of which would be, and is 
at the mercy of any daring adventurer In a Naval point of 
view, there is no port in the United States south of the Chesa¬ 
peake. where such a draft of water can be taken in, admitting 
vessels of the largest class, and when in, one of the safest har¬ 
bors in the world. 

In the event of war, with any power owning Islands in the 
West Indies, and by the time that such a circumstance might 
take place, We as a nation would probably be strong enough on 
the ocean to operate on any of those Islands, Key West would 
afford the best and most desirable position from which the ne¬ 
cessary expeditions could be fitted out. We should be able 
to act quickly, at all times taking advantage of fortuitous cir¬ 
cumstances regarding wind and weather, cutting up and de¬ 
stroying all the commerce of our enemy in those seas, and 
protecting our own; besides affording during the equinoxial 
gales or had weather, the very best roadstead, and should the 
Island prove to he healthy, a Navy Yard of the first class 
might he established, the necessary depth of water coming up 
to the very beach. Key West from its proximity to the Island 
of Cuba, will always be a check on the authorities there, and 
the establishment of a military post even at this time, will 
place them in a state of fear and alarm. During the war with 
Great Britain, the English used all the ports of Spain in this 
peninsula, but since the cession of the Floridas to us, she will 
be deprived of those harbors, and in the event of another war 
they would endeavor to take possion of Key West to prevent us 
from using a harbor, which would be of so much advantage to 
ns, whilst it would suit her equally as well. It is a harbor ex- 


19 


ceedingly difficult to blockade, in consequence of its several 
channels, as is pi oved by the (act that Commodore Laborde with 
a very superior squadron was never able to confine to port that 
of Commodore Porter. The Island to us, regarding the com¬ 
merce of the Gulf and Bay of Mexico, is nearly as valuable as 
if we possessed the Havana. It is the key on the northern 
side of the Gulf, which the Island of Cuba is to the south.— 
Nature lias done so much for its harbor, that it can be made 
exceedingly st ong by proper fortifications. The commerce 
of Key West, at this time, is not very extensive, as will be 
seen from the letter of the proprietors to me, which I beg leave 
to refer to, showing in a clear and lucid point of view, to what 
extension its commerce might be increased, particularly 

WHEN THE SALT PONDS ARE PUT IN OPERATION. THE 
STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS LETTER, ARE PERFECTLY 
CORRECT FROM WHAT I SAW, AND THE INFORMATION DE¬ 
RIVED FROM OTHER SOURCES. THERE IS NO LIMIT TO 
THE QUANTITY OF SALT, WHICH MAY AND CAN BE MADE. 

The Island of Key West being only ab »ut three miles long, 
and one in breadth, is not susceptible of being made profitable 
in an agricultural point of view; but being beyond the region 
of frost, all the tropical plants would no doubt succeed admira¬ 
bly, the fruit of course would yield a handsome profit to the 
owners, shipped to the different ports of the United States, 
freed from the duties which are now paid on the foreign arti¬ 
cle. From what I heard, it is probable the experiment will 
be made. 'I he number o! vessels and seamen employed in fish¬ 
ing and wrecking, with the value of the exported fish, which 
can be extended to any amount, I beg leave to refer you to the 
letter of William Pinkney, Fsq. Collector. It is difficult to as¬ 
certain the amount and value of wrecked property, but it must 
be of great value, ranging from year to year, as tempests may 
prevail. From what lias been stated in this communication, 
together with the enclosed letters, I trust that the information 
required has been given as far as I was capable, and that the 
government will perc eive that Key W est is an extremely im¬ 
portant situation, both in a military and Naval point of view. 
The only disadvantages which may be supposed, are its possi¬ 
ble unhealtliiness, there being a constant intercourse between 
the Havana and the other ports of the West Indies, from 
whence mal grunt fevers may be imported; the difficulty of re¬ 
inforcing it. in time of wai, and a scarcity of good water, 
should any dry seasons prevail It will be well enough to men¬ 
tion, that the Mexican squadron, whilst under the command of 
Commodore Porter, and since, enjoyed perfect health, whilst 


so 


in the port of Key West, since the ponds have been drained* 
and their ability to procure good water. 

Before concluding this report, it may be proper to observe, 
that there should be, at least two companies, stationed at Key 
W est, that the battery should be furnished with 18 and 24 
pounders, two large howitzers and one mortar. The houses 
should be constructed of two blocks 25 feet square with a pas- 
sage of 20 feet between them (covered,) each room to have six 
windows and two doors, with porticoes 12 feet wide, extending 
all round them. It is absolutely necessary in this climate, 
that every building should be well shaded and ventilated.— 
There should also be two six pounders, to be used as light, ar¬ 
tillery. for the defence of every unprotected part of the Island. 

This report would have been made and forwarded long 
since, but it has been delayed in consequence of our long pas¬ 
sage, both to, and from Key West, with the absence of Col. 
Greene, who was in the Havana, and to which place we were 
obliged to go for the purpose of seeing him, it being only nine¬ 
ty miles across. 


Extract of a letter from a gentleman who has spent a good deal of his time at 
Key West, dated New York, 27th August, 1830. 

In reply to your inquiries in relation to the manu¬ 
facture of Sait at Key Wrst, I have to state the following facts: 

I have, during the last three years repeatedly visited that Is¬ 
land and its Salt ponds, the principal one covers a surface of 
from 300 to 350 acres, and produces Salt by spontaneous eva¬ 
poration in large quantities. One of the proprietors caused a 
quantity to be raked, a part of which remained in store there 
in October last, and some of it is now in this city. The quali¬ 
ty is good, similar to the Turk’s Islands, but it would evident¬ 
ly be improved by the formation of the divisions or pans. I 
have resided nearly 25 years in the West Indies, and know 
of no spot among all those Islands better adapted to the making 
of Salt than Key West. The harbor is one of the finest in the 
world, and situation central, being eqi-distant from Savannah 
and Charleston to the North, and Mobile and New Orleans to 
the West, and but twelve hours sail from Havaua in the Island 
of Cuba. 




CHESTER, December 29, 1829. 

—In consequence of your application to me for my opinion 
of Thompson’s Island, or Key West, I have to state, in reply, 
that since the year 1823, 1 have from time to time, been making 
myself acquainted with the Florida coast and Keys—part of 
the time in command of the United States’squadron, and sub¬ 
sequently in command of the Mexican force in that quarter; and 
perhaps there is no man living better qualified than myself to 
give an opinion on the subject, as my information is derived 
from actual observation and practical experience. 

The harbor of Key West is. in my opinion, the best harbor 
within the limits ot the United States, or its Territories, to 
the south of the Chesapeake: 

1st—For its easy access and egress at all times and with 
all winds. 

2d—For the excellent anchorage and security it affords 
both in the inner and outer harbor, for ships of ths largest 
class;—leading to the harbor of Key West are several excel- 
lant channels, some affording water for the largest class of 
ships, the others suited to the vessels drawing 10 and 11 feet 
water. 

The advantages which Key West affords in a commer¬ 
cial point of view, are, 

1st—Its vicinity to the Island of Cuba and port of Havana, 
having a ready market for all articles placed there in deposit, 
or left by the wreckers, of whom this is the readezvous of 
those on the coast. 

2d—It being a convenient touching place for all vessels 
bound to and from the Gulf of Mexico, Bay of Honduras, and 
the coasts of Louisiana and Florida. 

As a Naval station, Key West has decidedly the advantage 
over all others 1 have ever known: 

1st—In its susceptibility of fortification. 

2d—The ease and number of its approaches with all 
winds. 

3d—The difficulty of blockade, as I have proved while in 
command of the Mexican squadron, it requiring a blockading 
force equal to three or four times the force to be blockaded, to 
keep up an efficient blockade. 

4th—The ease with which supplies may be thrown in, in 
despite of the presence of an enemy 

5th-—Abundance of wood and water. 

In speaking of Key West as a naval station, I have refer¬ 
ence only as to its being employed as a depot for stores, and 
a rendezvous for our ships of war; but even as a place for the 


\ 

establishment of a Navy Yard, it has most decidedly the advan¬ 
tage over Pensacola, and every other place south of the Chesa¬ 
peake. 

1st—On account of the depth of water. 

Pensacola and all the other places alluded to, only admiting 
sloops of war, and those not with safety—with the exception of 
the Tortugas, which, although it has depth of water sufficient, 
is devoid of all other advantages for the purpose of a Navy 
Yard, 

2d—Its more central situation and facility of communi¬ 
cation with, and deriving all the advantages by water oi sup¬ 
plies from the northern and southern sections of our union, viz: 
provisions from Louisiana; spars and live oak from the Flori- 
dasand Georgia; cordage, canvass, iron, gun-powder, shot, &c. 
from the north. The distance from either being short, the 
time, risk and expense of furnishing them must necessarily be 
reduced in proportion. 

3d—Irs salubrity of climate being equal in every respect 
to that of New-Providence, or any of the Bahamas. 

The malady with which the naval forces under my com¬ 
mand for the suppression of piracy was afflicted, had its origin 
in the excessive sever ity of the duty performed, and tire total 
absence of every description of comfort. The disease was con¬ 
tracted among the haunts of the pirates on the coast of Cuba, 
and not as is generally supposed, at Key West. 

It has been since proved, that during the worst seasons, 
the inhabitants of Key West have enjoyed as great a share of 
health as any other in the same parallel, and much more than 
of Pensacola, who have been seriously afflicted with pestilence, 
and compelled to abandon the town, while those ol Key West 
and the Mexican squadron there, have been entirely exempt 
from sickness.—It is found that the salubrity of Key West im¬ 
proves yearly by the filling up of the ponds, clearing the woods, 
and by adding to the comfort of those who reside there—it 
will not be surprizing if it should hereafter become a place of 
resort to the inhabitants of our southern section during the 
prevalence of the sickly seasons. 

\ hese facts and opinions ar e stated after an experience of 
nearly seven years. 

The advantages of its location as a military and naval sta¬ 
tion has no equal except Gibraiter. 

1st—It commands the outlet of all the trade from Jamaica, 
the Carribean Sea, the Bay of Honduras, and the Gulf of Mex¬ 
ico. . 


23 

2d—It protects the outlet and inlet of all the trade of the 
Gulf of Mexico, the w hole western country of Louisiana and 
Floridas. 

Sd—It holds' in subjection the trade of Cuba. 

4th—It is a check to the naval forces of whatever nation 
may possess Cuba It is to Cuba wht Gibraltar is to Ceuta. 

it is to the Gulf of Mexico, &c. what Gibraltar is to the 
Mediterranean. 

Among its advantages as a military position may be enu¬ 
merated an abundance of free stone for building, which being 
a concrete of coral and shells, is easily converted into lime. 
The Island is low, not being more than fifteen or twenty feet 
above the level of the ocean. The channel into the inner har¬ 
bor runs bold to its western part, which makes wharfs easy of 
construction. The soil is rich, being formed of a vegetable 
decomposition, mixed with sand and shells. It. produces all 
the plants and fruits of the tropics, with the exception of Coffee, 
and yields abundantly. 

On the eastern part of the Island is a vert ex¬ 
tensive natural Salt Pond, which, from every appear¬ 
ance, I SHOULD JUDGE, WITH A MODERATE CAPITAL AND EN- 
TERPRIZE, NIGHT BE MADE TO VIE WITH ANY OF THOSE IN 

the British Bahamas. 

Stock of every description live and thrive well on the Is¬ 
land, without requiring any care whatever, as has been abun¬ 
dantly proved by those which 1 imported on account of the 
United States from Cuba and the Bahamas. 

The thick growth of wood with which the Island is cover¬ 
ed, and which affords timber suitable for the construction of 
small vessels, is filled with deer and other game, and the seas 
abound in the finest fish in the world. 

In making this statement respecting Key West, I am ac¬ 
tuated by no other feeling than the desire that my country 
should not, by the prejudices, partialities, interested views and 
errors of others, be induced to lose sight of the great advanta¬ 
ges it presents—whether looked at in a military or a commer¬ 
cial point of view. The naval rendezvous has been removed 
from Key West to Pensacola, enormous amounts have been ex¬ 
pended on the navy yard of the latter, and it is found unsuited 
to the purpose for which it was designed. An effort is now 
making to form a naval establishment on the insulated cluster 
of sand keys called the Dry Tortugas, which may easily be 
surrounded by a small enemy’s force, exposed to his cannon 
without entering the harbor, which afford neither wood nor 
water, nor scarcely any kind of vegetation, and have the in- 


) 


supcrabIe objection of not affording a sufficient area of land 
on which to form a naval establishment of even a very limited 
extent. 

Nature appears to have formed it for'a place of deposit 
for the eggs of the Turtle and the sea-birds, and the art of 
man can make very little more of it. 

Key West has been tried, and is proved to possess all the 
advantages which are desirable in a naval depot and rendez¬ 
vous.—It is proved that the only objection, insalubrita; y of 
climate, has no foundation in fact. Where then is the neces¬ 
sity of making further disbursements or useless experiments, 
when one lias already been made in Key West, and has proved 

satisfactory? 

•> 

With great respect, your obedient servant, 

DAVID PORTER. 


In Senate of the United States, March 4, 1830. 

Mr. Woodbury made the following Report: 

\ y 

The Committee on Commerce, to which was referred a resolu¬ 
tion on “ the expediency of extending the right of deben¬ 
ture to merchandise imported into Key West, from other 
than foreign ports, but entitled, at the time of importa¬ 
tion, to debenture;” and to which committee was also 
referred a petition from sundry merchants in New York, 
on the same subject, ask leave to report: 

That they find the facts bearing on the above references, 
to be as follows: 

The act of Congress, passed May 7th, 1822, makes Key 
West a common port of entry, and Pensacola a port of entry, 
likewise, for vessels from beyond the Cape of Good Hope; but 
at the same time, it expressly takes from both of them the 
right of debenture on merchandise brought coastwise. 

This last right has always before been attached to the 
numerous ports of entry, where vessels may enter- from beyond 
the Cape of Good Hope, as may be seen by the 77th section of 
the act of Congress, of the 2d of March, A. D. 1799. 

The question now presented, is, whether Key West is so 
situated, as to its trade, population and neighborhood, as to 
render it expedient to extend to it so desirable a privilege, as 
the right of debenture on goods not imported there from 
abroad? 




25 


From the most authentic sources, the committee are satisfi¬ 
ed that, though the Island of Key West contains only about 1,900 
acres, and has few capacities to produce much beyond tropical 
fruits and Salt; yet its position for a successful prosecution of 
the fisheries, for the saving of wrecked property, and for com¬ 
merce with Cuba, Mexico, and parts of South America, is 
highly advantageous. 

It has a fine harbor of 28 feet depth, and, from its com¬ 
mand of apart of the Gulf of Mexico, and its nearness to Ha¬ 
vana, being within about eighty miles, expectations are cher¬ 
ished by some, of its becoming soon an important military and 
naval station. 

Its population in A. D, 1829, varied from 3 to 500; and 
the past and present extent, and character of its trade, seem 
to be these: 

In the year ending September, A. D. 1828, the tonnage 
entering there, was 7,880 American, and 839 Foreign; and that 
departing, 6, 772 American, and 989 Foreign. The tonnage 
of the Island itself in December, 1827, was 1,223 registered, 
and 5 9 enrolled. 

During the last year about 780 tons were employed in the 
fisheries, and something over Si00,000 worth of fish were ex¬ 
ported to Havana; and twelve or thirteen vessels, manned by 
about 120 men, were engaged in wrecking. 

The duties collected at Key West, have been in 

A. D. 1824, - - - $14,162 

1825, - r - 67,337 

1826, - 33,993 

And in 3 quarters of 1827 and of 1829, over $37,000 each* 

The imports into Key West, in A. D. 1828, were g 164,446, 

and in 3 quarters of 1829. $i40,585. 

The exports in A. D. 1828, were $118,520, and the 3 
quarters of 1829, $48,474. 

Compared with all other ports in Florida, her imports 
and trade are more thanffrds of the whole, and her commerce 
exceeds that of 4 or 5 other places in the United States, to 
which the right of debenture now asked has been heretofore 
granted. 

Concerning the healthiness of the Island, opinions are 
somewhat contradictory, and its present exposed situation, 
without a permanent military or naval force lor protection, 
seems to us to occasion some insecurity to its property and 

business. 

Doubts are also entertained by some of the committee, 
w hether ample bonds could always be given there, not to re- 
4 


4 


land the merchandise entitled to debenture, and whether frauds 
on the revenue, by procuring incredible testimony as to the 
landing of the merchandise abroad, would not there be more 
easily practiced than elsewhere. 

But a majority of the committee, influenced by the facts 
before adduced, and by the favorable opinions of the Treasury 
Department, annexed (marked A.) deem it just and ex¬ 
pedient to allow the right requested, and report a bill for the 
consideration of the Senate, to carry that right into effect. 


TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 31st December, 1829. 

Sir: I have the honor to state, in reply to your in¬ 
quiry as to the propriety of extending the usual privilege 
of drawback to goods transported coastwise to Key West, that 
the commerce of that island has increased yery considerably 
since the establishment of the custom house. It is understood 
to be a safe harbor, and the most convenient depot for wrecked 
property in that region, a vast amount of which is annually 
exposed to loss. 

The imports for 1828, were §164,446 —exports, §118,520. 

“ 1829, 140,58 5, “ 48.754. 

The duties secured during the three quarters of 1829, ex¬ 
ceed §37,000. 

The custom house establishment is well organized, and 
may he relied upon for the proper execution of the laws; nor is 
their reason to doubt the fidelity of the court. I am not there¬ 
fore aware of any objections to allowing the privilege of draw¬ 
back to goods transported coastwise to Key West. The mea¬ 
sure would, no doubt, benefit the commerce of the Island, by 
enabling the merchants located there to make up assorted car¬ 
goes for the West India and Spanish American trade, with 
greater despatch and less capital. 

Permit me to remark, in connexion with this subject, that, 
as the District of St. Augustine now extends on the Florida coast 
to Cape Sable, including the Islands nearest, and opposite there¬ 
to, a considerable portion of it is much nearer the port of Key 
West than that of St Augustine; and that a Revenue Cutter 
will necessarily be stationed at the former place, hut has not 
been deemed necessary at the latter. The commercial business 
of that part of the coast, and of the adjacent islands which are 
nearest Key West, can consequently he more conveniently su¬ 
perintended, and the revenue more effectually guarded by officers 
of the customs at Key West than at St. Augustine. I woyld 




therefore, respectfully suggest the propriety of extending the 
Key West District from Cape Sable to Indian river, including 
the adjacent islands. 

I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully, 

Your ob’t serv’t, 

S. D. INGHAM, 
Secretary of the Treasury* 

Hon. L WOODBURY, 

Ch. Com. on Commerce, Senate United States. 


CITY HOTEL, NEW YORK, September 17, 1829. 

Sir: In our late conversation respecting the Island of Key 
West, I promised you to submit to paper the views that I en¬ 
tertained of its probable salubrity, &c. You are aware that 
I was ordered by the War Department to make a general re- 
connoizance of the Island, as the impression abroad and at home 
were very unfavorable to its reputation for health. I was sa¬ 
tisfied by personal observation and diligent inquiry, that the 
most erroneous notions had been circulated on this topic. 

The chances for general health and longevity, are as great 
at Key West as any other spot on the Gulf of Mexico. 

This conclusi m has been founded on the most careful ex¬ 
amination of the place, and asl have resided six years at various 
places on the Gulf of Mexico, I should be qualified to form 
some probable estimate. 

It is unnecessary to enter into detailed remarks in support 
of this assertion, but if you wish further information, I will re¬ 
fer you to the elaborate report on the Island of Key West 
made by General Brooke of the United States’ Army and my¬ 
self. 

This document is on file in the War Office at Washington, 
and will satisfy the most sceptical. 

I have the honor to remain, 

Your most obedient humble servant, 

EDWD. MACOMB, 

M, D. of the United States’ Army. 




REMARKS. 


The Salt Pond at Key West contains upwards 
of three hundred acres, which it is believed is sus¬ 
ceptible, by proper management, of producing by 
solar evaporation, more than 2,000,000 bushels of 
Salt per annum; and judging from the results of 
the various experiments which have been made by 
some of the inhabitants of the Island, as well as 
from the opinions of other highly respectable in¬ 
dividuals who have examined the pond with great 
care and attention, it cannot be doubted that an 
investment of capital in .he manufacture of Salt at 
Key West, would yield a protit that could not be 
realized in any other business: inasmuch as the 
protecting duty on the article will still stand at 10 
cents per 56 lbs. or about 13J cents the measured 
bushel, after the 31st December, 183 i, which of it¬ 
self would afford the manufacturer a large profit.* 

Fifteen thousand dollars b&s been appropriat¬ 
ed at the last session of Congress, for the purpose 
of building barracks , draining the ponds, and locat¬ 
ing a military force on the Island , which will be 
carried into effect in October or November next, 
and which it is supposed will have a tendency to 
render the place as healthy as any other situated 
in the same parallel of latitude. 

The title to the property was confirmed by 
an act of Congress, approved the 23d of May, 1828, 
and is now warranted free from all incumbrances* 

J. W. SI MONTON. 
Washington City, Sept. 4, 1830. 

* The manufacturers of Salt in the Bahama Islands have not been able to 
obtain more than from 7 to 10 cents per bushel for many years past, and yet 
they made a go od profit by their operations. 




